Harmful Pollutants & Effects

Among the many pollutants can cause harm to our stormwater are the following:

Sediments (dirt)

Reduces light penetration and affects photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to use light as their source of energy

Makes waterways cloudy and can suffocate fish by clogging their gills

Destroys aquatic habitats

Can clog ditches, culverts, and drainage pipes and create potential for flooding

Nutrients (fertilizers, yard waste)

Nutrients are compounds that stimulate plant growth, like nitrogen and phosphorus; nutrients are beneficial and necessary, but in high concentrations can become an environmental threat and cause algae blooms; when the algae dies off, it sinks and decomposes in a process that removes oxygen, killing fish and plant life (eutrophication)

Pathogens (human and animal waste)

Pathogens are disease-causing micro-organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, causing health problems to humans, wildlife and plant life

Toxic Contaminants (oils, grease, pesticides)

These substances can harm the health of aquatic life and/or human beings

Many toxins are resistant to breakdown and tend to be passed through the food chain

Toxins are created by a wide variety of human practices and products, and include heavy metals, pesticides and organic compounds

Debris

Trash is the simplest type of pollution to understand—it interferes with the enjoyment of our water resources

Plastic bags, six pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts washed into our water bodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like birds, fish, and turtles